Paso Robles Real Estate » Local News

Bed, Bath & Beyond to Open in Paso Robles After All

Sherry Lee Cox — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 21:22:04 +0000

After much talk over the last year of Bed, Bath & Beyond pulling out of the Golden Hills Plaza project, it is clear now that this much anticipated retailer plans to open by May. I say it is clear based on the fact that there are “Now Hiring” signs on the 25,000 sq ft building they plan to inhabit next to Lowe’s Home Improvement store off of Highway 46 east.

El Pollo Loco, Sky Nails & Spa, Me-n-Ed’s Pizza and Circuit City are tenants that were slated to occupy the Golden Hills Plaza but have since cancelled; Circuit City because it claimed bankruptcy and closed nationwide.

The Golden Hills Plaza is located at the corner of Highway 46 East and Golden Hill.

I, for one, welcome Bed, Bath & Beyond into our city. It will definitely fill the void for luxury bed, bath and kitchen accoutrements. At this time, the nearest Bed, Bath & Beyond is in San Luis Obispo.

If you would like to search the MLS for listings in San Luis Obispo County,visit my website. Should you have any real estate questions or general questions about Paso Robles or San Luis Obispo County, please contact me via email or call me at (805) 235-0234 for more information.

Ca DRE # 01317192

It starts with a dream…

Artists’ Reception at Studios on the Park in Paso Robles

Sherry Lee Cox — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 03:56:12 +0000

There will be an Artists’ Reception at Studios on the Park in Paso Robles celebrating the art of Nancy Becker and Frank Armitage on February 20, 2010 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm.

Nancy Becker earned her BA in Art Education from the University of Colorado and also holds a BFA in Graphic Design from California College of Arts & Crafts. Art, horses and the western environment are her passions. She is also an accomplished silversmith, woodworker and lapidary artist.

A native Australian, Frank Armitage became involved in Mexican Mural Painting in the 1940′s. In 1952, he moved to Los Angeles to work for Disney Studios on animation backgrounds and layouts for feature films such as Sleeping Beauty, Man In Space, Mary Poppins, Peter Pan and The Jungle Book.

After retiring from Disney in 1989, Frank retired to Paso Robles where he continues to produce art at Studios on the Park. He is also available for commissioned work.

If you would like to search the MLS for listings in San Luis Obispo County,visit my website. If you have any real estate questions or general questions about Paso Robles or San Luis Obispo County, please contact me via email or call me at (805) 235-0234 for more information.

Ca DRE # 01317192

It starts with a dream…

Asbestos Prevention, Healthy Tips & Green Living for California

Sherry Lee Cox — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 04:58:40 +0000

A big thank you to Paul James, National Awareness Coordinator of the Mesothelioma Center, for allowing me to reprint this article…

Implementing and enforcing the state’s environmental protection laws, The California Environmental Protection Agency ensures clean water, air, soil and waste recycling is performed throughout the state. This agency is at the forefront of science and research to lead to a cleaner, healthier planet for all.

With a variety of home materials on the market still not banned b the federal government, there has been concern present from citizens regarding asbestos exposure. California is one of many states implementing sustainable methods of construction.

Many Paso Robles and California real estate agents have begun to understand the many risks and responsibilities involved in the home buying process. Many new homes that are foreclosed may require renovation or repairs, especially in areas susceptible to natural disasters. This process may require inspection for hazardous materials.

Utilized in thousands of construction and building applications throughout the 20^th century, asbestos was a highly regarded mineral due to its heat resistant properties. Homes or buildings constructed before 1980 may still contain asbestos. Due to a steady progression of technology and green sustainable methods, there are many ways to ensure your home or property is asbestos free.

Healthy Tips

If any asbestos is suspected, the best advice is to leave it un-disturbed. . Sometimes the best action is no action. A home inspector can determine the proper course of action. Asbestos removal in public facilities, homes and workplaces must be undertaken by a licensed asbestos abatement contractor. The removal of asbestos is a finite process that must be done by a professional.

In most situations, asbestos appears in roof shingles, dry wall, attic insulation, popcorn ceilings, joint compounds and electrical wires. It is not always an easy process to determine whether or not a particular insulation contains asbestos. Anyone who is unsure about the insulation in their home should have the materials in question inspected and tested.

The inhilation of airborne asbestos fibers can cause mesothelioma, a severe lung ailment associated with asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma treatment has varied effects on individuals, with many factors impacting a patient’s prognosis. These include age of diagnosis, latency period and age of diagnosis. Manufacturers of asbestos obtained medical evidence of its corrosive qualities but continued shipping the substance anyways, leaving workers and homeowners exposed on a frequent basis. Thousands have fought this by attempting to receive mesothelioma compensation for their wrongful illness.

California Going Green

Organizations such as Environment LA also help bring together programs and projects that are helping make the state become a more sustainable and environmentally friendly city. Green energy solutions will play an important role in the transformation to a healthier and sustainable world.

What can you do to move towards a green home? Start by using eco-friendly methods of building, it may prove to be costly at first, but research shows it can reduce annual energy costs by 25 percent. By building green, you will immediately see the multitude of positive health, economic and environmental benefits, such as: conserving natural resources, energy sustainability, increased property value and improve your quality of life.

The list of options also includes cellulose and lcynene foam. Cotton fiber is made from recycled batted material and treated to be flame resistant. Not only will these asbestos alternatives reduce energy costs, they allow a lifestyle that promotes a clean, free of health damaging materials.

Ca DRE # 01317192

It starts with a dream…

Paderewski Festival in Paso Robles November 12 – 15

Sherry Lee Cox — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 22:28:55 +0000

November 12 through November 15, the Paderewski Festival will celebrate the life of Ignacy Jan Paderewski with special events and concerts in Paso Robles.

The Denali String Quartet will open the festival with a performance at Vina Robles Winery this evening at 6:00 pm.

Pianist William Koseluk will perform at Cass Winery in Paso Robles on Friday, November 13th, at 7:00 pm with a wine reception at 6:00 pm.

On Saturday, November 14th, at 4:00 pm, the winners of the 2009 Paderewski Young Pianists Competition will perform at the historic Paso Robles Inn Ballroom.

Also, on Saturday evening, pianist Hubert Rutkowski will perform at the Paso Robles Inn Ballroom at 8:00 pm. Wine reception begins at 6:30 pm.

Ignacy Jan Paderewski (1860 – 1941) was a virtuoso pianist and composer. His love of Paso Robles began in the year of 1914 and continued through 1939.

In 1914, Paderewski purchased Rancho San Ignacio and Rancho Santa Helena in Paso Robles, Ca, which encompassed 2864 acres. Throughout the years, he planted almond trees, fruit orchards and Zinfandel grapes.

In addition to Paderewski’s musical and political accomplishments, he is also remembered for being a pioneer in vine cultivation and credited with bringing Zinfandel grapes to California.

Ca DRE # 01317192

It starts with a dream…

Paso Robles Library & Recreation Services

Sherry Lee Cox — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 04:21:16 +0000

The City of Paso Robles offers a tremendous amount of activities for all ages, including trips, seminars and workshops, for all ages. Most are free, and the rest have minimal fees involved. Be sure to check out the Fall catalog at www.prcity.com/recreation… Art, cake decorating, fishing, fencing, guitar, karate, dance, tennis and everything in between can be found in the catalog.

Ca DRE # 01317192

It starts with a dream…

Single Women Homebuyers

Sherry Lee Cox — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 02:55:13 +0000

Loan Officer
Pismo Coast Financial
350 James Way, Ste. 130
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
Office: (805) 773-7500
Cell: (805) 757-0544
Fax: (866) 484-1553
Justin [dot] Stearns [at] prospectmtg [dot] com

Single women account for the fastest growing segment of the home-buying population in the U.S. This trend has been on the rise for many years. From 1994 to 2002, the number of unmarried women owning homes climbed from 13.9 million to 17.5 million. By 2004, 18% of all homebuyers were single women. According to the latest NAR profile of homebuyers and sellers, that number has risen to 22%.

Factors leading to this increase include the following demographic trends: better education, more women working and seeking financial independence, and young women delaying marriage. Also, women have significantly increased their purchasing power. They own and operate 38% of all businesses in America and make up nearly 40% of all business school graduates. More immediately, historically low interest rates, affordable home prices, ample housing supply and the first-time homebuyer tax credit are fueling the increase of single women homebuyers.

Statistically, women do more research and spend a longer period of time searching for a home. They’re also more inclined to make home repairs. Studies show that nearly half of all purchases made in Home Depot and Lowes are made by women. And 94% of women homeowners claimed to have completed a home improvement project by themselves in the last five years.

Some home characteristics that experts say appeal to women: a safe community (single women account for a large number of condominium purchases where they find a sense of security), a home office (home-based businesses are very popular among women), maintenance friendly yards, lots of storage, and natural light, particularly in the master suite and bathroom. Statistically, women are also more likely to work with female mortgage brokers, attorneys and real estate professionals.

Thank you to Justin for allowing me to reprint his article…

Ladies, be sure to visit the Women Homeowners website to find a local support group of women professionals near you who are available to answer all of your questions related to home ownership issues and other topics…

Ca DRE # 01317192

It starts with a dream…

© 2009 Prospect Mortgage, LLC. Equal Housing Lender. Prospect Mortgage is located at 15301 Ventura Blvd., Suite D300, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403. Prospect Mortgage, LLC (Unique Identifier #3296) is a Delaware limited liability company licensed by the CA Dept. of Corps. under CRMLA and operates with the following licenses: AZ Mortgage Banker License #BK0903027, #BK0909362, #BK0908046, #BK0908050, #BK0908056, BK#0908057, #BK0908058, #BK0908731, BK#0903112, BK#0903912, BK#0906650, BK#0906913; To check the license status of your CO mortgage broker, visit www.dora.state.co.us/real-estate/index.htm; GA Residential Mortgage License #16984; IL Residential Mortgage Licensee #6424; MA Mortgage Lender/Broker License #MC2011

Sherry’s Favorite Lemon Meringue Pie

Sherry Lee Cox — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 02:20:28 +0000

Okay, this recipe is a little more labor intensive, but it always gets rave reviews!

9-inch baked pie shell

I cheat on this and buy the Pillsbury rolled pie pastry in the box. After many years of making my own pie pastry, I finally decided Pillsbury was as good or better than my own recipe and certainly a time-saver.

Filling:

1/3 cup cornstarch
1 & 1/2 cups sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 egg yolks slightly beaten
1/4 fresh squeezed lemon juice
2 tablespoons grated lemon peel
2 tablespoons butter

Meringue:

8 egg whites at room temperature
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
3/4 cup sugar

Line pie plate with pie pastry & bake shell. Let cool…
Make filling: In small saucepan, combine cornstarch, sugar & salt. Gradually add 1 & 1/2 cups of water and stir until smooth.
Over medium heat, bring to boiling stirring constantly, until smooth and boil for 1 minute.
Remove mixture from heat. Quickly stir half of the hot mixture into the egg yolks, mix well and then return egg yolk mixture back into sauce pan.
Over medium heat, return to boiling while stirring constantly, and boil 1 minute.
Remove mixture from heat and stir in lemon juice, lemon peel and butter. Immediately pour into the pie shell.
Preheat oven to 400F.
Make Meringue: In medium bowl, mix egg whites and cream of tartar at medium speed until soft peaks form when the beater is raised. (A KitchenAid Mixer comes in handy here, but you can use a hand-held mixer)
Gradually beat in 2 tablespoons of sugar at a time and beat well after each addition. Continue to beat until still peaks form when the beater is raised.
Spread meringue over hot filling sealing to the edge of the crust and make peaks in the meringue with back of a butter knife or spoon. Touch meringue with utensil and lift forming many peaks.
Bake 7 to 9 minutes or until meringue is golden.
Cool on a wire rack away from drafts for 1 hour before serving.

Two more bits of advice:

Keep an extra dozen eggs on hand just in case your meringue doesn’t whip up. This has happened to me more than once. Don’t know whether it is because the eggs aren’t fresh or I just whipped them too long.

Secondly, lemon meringue pie doesn’t last well in the refrigerator (ingredients tend to separate) so you may as well eat the whole pie:)

Ca DRE # 01317192

It starts with a dream…

Home Buyer Tax Credit Extended

Sherry Lee Cox — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:47:27 +0000

Great news for consumers and the housing market recovery!

November 4, 2009, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to extend the home buyer tax credit formerly available only to first-time home buyers. As of today, the federal tax credit will be extended to April 30, 2010, with a 60-day extension available if a binding contract is in place prior to the deadline.

This tax credit is now available to existing homeowners also with a few caveats. Existing homeowners will be eligible for a reduced credit of up to $6,500 as compared to a tax credit of up to $8,000 for first-time home buyers. In addition, existing homeowners must have lived at their current residence for at least 5 years.

This bill also increased the qualifying income limits from $75,000 for single tax filers and $150,000 for joint filers to $125,000 and $225,000 respectively. In both instances, the price of the home is capped at $800,000.

Taxpayers can claim this home purchase credit on their 2009 tax returns, but as always, please consult with your tax preparer or CPA for professional advice.

Home buyers do not have to pay back the credit as long as the home remains their primary residence for 36 months.

Ca DRE # 01317192

It starts with a dream…

Lessen Symptoms and Proliferation of Swine Flu

Sherry Lee Cox — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:30:12 +0000

Thanks to the University of Kansas Hospital Department of Nursing for the following simple ways to prevent catching the flu. This makes sense…

Prevent Swine Flu – Good Advice-

From: The University of Kansas Hospital Dept. of Nursing Units 43 & 51

The only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it’s almost impossible to avoid coming into contact with H1N1 in spite of all precautions. While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps can be practiced

1. Gargle twice a day with warm salt water or Listerine. *H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected one. Don’t underestimate this simple, inexpensive, and powerful preventative method.

2. Blow the nose hard once a day and swab both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water. This is very effective in bringing down viral population.

3. Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamins C and D. If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption.

4. Drink as much of warm liquids (tea, coffee, etc) as you can. Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.

I suggest you pass this on. You never know who might pay attention to it — and STAY ALIVE because of it.

Ca DRE # 01317192

It starts with a dream…

Winery Row, Paso – An Idea Whose Time Has Come

Sherry Lee Cox — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 00:23:40 +0000

Keller Williams Realty, Paso Robles Commercial Division, has the honor of being the listing agent for a new, innovative project in Paso Robles called Winery Row, Paso.

The concept is a destination where you can go from tasting room to tasting room without having to drive several miles in between. After you finish wine tasting, you can take your bottle of wine and lunch to a beautiful landscaped park to enjoy the outdoors.

The first phase of the project will be the building and leasing of 14 wineries. The phases planned for future development include the building of 30 crush facilities, a restaurant/microbrewery, an event center/park, a Hilton Garden Inn Hotel, possibly some high-end retail and an RV Park. Winery Row, Paso will become quite the destination in Paso Robles.

Right now, the listing agent is primarily working to lease up the wineries, but if someone has the desire to purchase a winery or one of the retail pads, he would love to talk to you.

If you would like to see a brochure on the project, contact me by email or phone, and I’d be happy to send that to you…

If you would like to search the MLS for listings in San Luis Obispo County,visit my website. If you have any real estate questions or general questions about Paso Robles or San Luis Obispo County, please contact me via email or call me at (805) 235-0234 for more information.

Ca DRE # 01317192

It starts with a dream…